• SIP
Broadband & Mobile Featured Article
August 03, 2007
Report: 700 MHz Spectrum Usage in Jeopardy as FCC Tests Yield Poor Results
By Spencer D. Chin TMCnet Web Editor
All the recent jockeying by media and software companies for a piece of the soon-to-be abandoned 700MHz spectrum could be for naught as initial tests by an FCC (News - Alert) group found that prototype devices interfered with existing broadcasts during testing.
According to a Dow Jones newswire report, the Federal Communications Commission's Office of Engineering and Technology, or OET, said initial testing of the group's prototype devices showed that the devices failed to swiftly track and avoid interference with other, licensed broadcasts.
The report stated the technology coalition behind the tests had hoped the use of so called white spaces - an unlicensed spectrum between TV channels -- would pass muster with regulators as early as October. The coalition effort is one of several efforts on the part of large companies offering Internet services and devices to expand options for consumer access to the Web.
The group includes companies such as Microsoft (News - Alert), Philips, Google, Intel Corp., and Dell Inc. Members of the coalition want the ability to offer devices and services that don't have to be used on licensed networks operated by traditional telecom or cable companies.
But the OET’s test results put a damper on the group’s hopes, noting that "the sample prototype white space devices submitted to the commission for initial evaluation do not consistently sense or detect TV broadcast or wireless microphone signals."
The report added "our tests also found that the transmitter in [a] prototype device is capable of causing interference to TV broadcasting and wireless microphones."
One test of the prototypes’ ability to sense microphone communications often confused a microphone signal for digital TV broadcasts, the report said.
Scott Blake Harris, a spokesman for the white spaces coalition, was quoted as saying the coalition would continue consulting FCC engineers, and its members still expect an FCC decision the use of the white space as early as October.
"We will work with the [FCC] to resolve any open questions quickly enabling the FCC to meet its October deadline," Harris was quoted as saying.
The effort to obtain rights to the 700 MHz spectrum was a particular blow for Google (News - Alert), which had lobbied heavily for rights to the space, going as far as to mandate its own terms for a 700 MHz spectrum license. The FCC declined to approve several of Google’s requests.
Spencer Chin is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To see more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Don't forget to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP
Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users.
Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users.
